US20080032537A1 - Socket connector for in-line modules - Google Patents
Socket connector for in-line modules Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080032537A1 US20080032537A1 US11/498,111 US49811106A US2008032537A1 US 20080032537 A1 US20080032537 A1 US 20080032537A1 US 49811106 A US49811106 A US 49811106A US 2008032537 A1 US2008032537 A1 US 2008032537A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- mounting
- socket connector
- latch member
- face
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
- H01R12/70—Coupling devices
- H01R12/82—Coupling devices connected with low or zero insertion force
- H01R12/83—Coupling devices connected with low or zero insertion force connected with pivoting of printed circuits or like after insertion
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
- H01R12/70—Coupling devices
- H01R12/71—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures
- H01R12/72—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures coupling with the edge of the rigid printed circuits or like structures
- H01R12/721—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures coupling with the edge of the rigid printed circuits or like structures cooperating directly with the edge of the rigid printed circuits
Definitions
- Computers and servers may use numerous types of electronic modules, such as processor and memory modules (e.g. Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), or Extended Data Out Random Access Memory (EDO RAM), and the like).
- the memory modules are produced in a number of formats such as, for example, Single In-line Memory Modules (SIMM's), or the newer Dual In-line Memory Modules (DIMM's), Small Outline DIMM's (SODIMM's) and Fully Buffered DIMM's.
- the modules are installed in one or more multi-pin sockets mounted on a system board or motherboard.
- Each memory module has a card edge that provides an interface generally between two rows of contacts in the socket. Conventionally, the card edge interface is a separable card edge interface.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a socket connector formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Abstract
A socket connector for connecting a card edge module to a circuit board includes a housing extending along a longitudinal axis between opposed ends. The housing includes a mounting face configured to be received on the circuit board and a mating face configured to receive a card edge module. Each of the opposed ends includes an end surface transverse to the mating face and the mounting face. A latch member is located at each of the opposed ends. The latch members engage a mounting feature on each of the end surfaces to mount the latch members to the housing.
Description
- The invention relates generally to sockets for retaining card edge modules and, more particularly, to a reduced width socket for memory modules.
- Computers and servers may use numerous types of electronic modules, such as processor and memory modules (e.g. Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), or Extended Data Out Random Access Memory (EDO RAM), and the like). The memory modules are produced in a number of formats such as, for example, Single In-line Memory Modules (SIMM's), or the newer Dual In-line Memory Modules (DIMM's), Small Outline DIMM's (SODIMM's) and Fully Buffered DIMM's. Typically, the modules are installed in one or more multi-pin sockets mounted on a system board or motherboard. Each memory module has a card edge that provides an interface generally between two rows of contacts in the socket. Conventionally, the card edge interface is a separable card edge interface.
- At least some computer systems are modular rack mounted systems having segments, or modules that slide into the rack. The modular construction allows systems to be built to perform specific functions. In addition, some of the modules may be designed to adhere to certain standards, such as the Advanced Telecommunications Computing Architecture (ATCA), mezzanine card (AMC) standard, and micro TCA standard among others. The standards may address both electrical aspects as well as size aspects of the various components with the trend being toward smaller and more compact components. Typically, SODIMM sockets include latch arms that extend from cavities on the sides of the socket. Some such sockets may be too wide or more specifically, too long to allow the AMC module to be used in some rack mounted systems. Thus, there remains a need for an SODIMM socket connector having a sufficiently narrow profile that allows the use of conventional DIMM's with modules such as AMC compliant rack mounted modules.
- In one aspect, a socket for connecting a card edge module to a circuit board is provided. The connector includes a housing extending along a longitudinal axis between opposed ends. The housing includes a mounting face configured to be received on the circuit board and a mating face configured to receive a card edge module. Each of the opposed ends includes an end surface transverse to the mating face and the mounting face. A latch member is located at each of the opposed ends. The latch members engage a mounting feature on each of the end surfaces to mount the latch members to the housing.
- The connector further includes electrical contacts held in the housing. The contacts have mating ends proximate the mating face of the housing and mounting ends extending from the mounting face of the housing. The mounting face of the housing is substantially perpendicular to the mating face of the housing. The latch members each include a mounting end and the housing includes mounting receptacles configured to receive the mounting ends of the latch members. The latch members each include a clamping arm and the housing is disposed between the clamping arms.
- In another aspect, a socket connector for connecting a card edge module to a circuit board is provided. The connector includes a housing extending along a longitudinal axis between opposed ends. The housing includes a mounting face configured for mounting on the circuit board and a slot configured to receive the card edge module. A latch member is connected to the housing for retaining the card edge module in the slot. The latch member has a mounting end secured to the housing and extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.
- In a further aspect, a socket connector for connecting a card edge module to a circuit board includes a housing extending along a longitudinal axis between opposed ends. The housing includes a mounting face configured to be received on the circuit board and a slot configured to receive the card edge module. A latch member is connected to the housing for retaining the card edge module in the slot. The latch member includes a mounting end. The housing has a mounting receptacle that is configured to receive the mounting end of the latch member in an installation direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a socket connector formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the socket connector shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the socket connector ofFIG. 1 with a card edge module loaded into the connector. -
FIG. 1 illustrates asocket connector 100 formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Theconnector 100 includes adielectric housing 102 having aforward mating face 104 and amounting face 106. The mountingface 106 is substantially perpendicular to themating face 104. A pair oflatch members 110 is attached to thehousing 102. Theconnector 100 is configured to be mounted on a circuit board (not shown inFIG. 1 ) at themounting face 106 of thehousing 102. Thehousing 102 includes aslot 114 that is configured to receive the mating edge of a card edge in-line electronic module (not shown inFIG. 1 ). Eachlatch member 110 includes aclamping arm 118 that retains the electronic module. The clampingarms 118 are disposed at opposite ends of thehousing 102. -
FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of thesocket connector 100. Thehousing 102 extends along alongitudinal axis 120 betweenopposed ends 122 and 124. Thehousing 102 has atop surface 128, arear surface 130, the front ormating face 104, and amounting face 106 each of which also extends between theopposed ends 122 and 124. Thehousing 102 holds electrical contacts havingmating ends 142 andmounting ends 144. Thecontact mating ends 142 extend into theslot 114 to electrically engage contact pads (not shown) on the electronic module when the electronic module is installed in theconnector 100. Thecontact mounting ends 144 extend from themounting face 106 in the direction of the arrow A and are configured to electrically connect to the circuit board upon which theconnector 100 is mounted. In the exemplary embodiment, the contact mating andmounting ends key 150 is provided at an off-center position in theslot 114 and is received in a notch in the electronic module to assure that the electronic module is properly aligned with respect to theconnector 100. - Opposed
ends 122 and 124 includessurfaces mating face 104 and themounting face 106. In some embodiments, thelatch members 110 are in abutting engagement with theend surfaces latch members 110 are mounted to thehousing 102. Theend surfaces latch members 110 to enable mounting of thelatch members 110 to thehousing 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting feature comprises anopening 156 that receives a portion of thelatch members 110. In alternative embodiments, the mounting feature may comprise a mounting peg received in a hole in thelatch member 110. - A
mounting receptacle 160 is formed proximate eachend 122 and 124 of thehousing 102.Mounting receptacles 160 are provided for attachment of thelatch members 110 to thehousing 102. In the illustrated embodiment, themounting receptacles 160 are disposed at an upper portion of thehousing 102. That is, no additional dielectric material is placed at the ends 122 and 122 of thehousing 102 for providing mounting receptacles, such asreceptacles 160. Rather, by locating the mountingreceptacles 160 at an upper portion of the housing, a length L of thehousing 102 between the opposed ends 122, 124 can be minimized. Alternatively, the mountingreceptacles 160 may be positioned at a rear portion of thehousing 102. Each mountingreceptacle 160 includes acavity 162 for mounting of thelatch members 110. Theopenings 156 on the end surfaces 152 and 154 open into thecavities 162. - Each
latch member 110 includes a mountingend 170. The mounting ends 170 are received in thecavities 162 in a mounting direction indicated by the arrow B, which is substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis 120, to mount thelatch members 110 to thehousing 102. The mounting ends 170 are provided withbarbs 172 that frictionally engage the interior walls of thecavities 162 to retain thelatch members 110. Thelatch members 110 are formed with abend 174 between the clampingarms 118 and mounting ends 170 and the clampingarms 118 and mounting ends 170 are substantially perpendicular to one another. Each clampingarm 118 extends along alongitudinal axis 176 that is substantially perpendicular to the mounting direction of the mountingend 170 and thelongitudinal axis 120 of thehousing 102. Each latch arm includes a mountingfoot 178 for mounting theconnector 100 to the circuit board 202 (FIG. 3 ). In an exemplary embodiment, the mountingfoot 178 is unitarily formed with theclamping arm 118. Anend 180 of theclamping arm 118 is deflectable in the direction of the arrow C. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of thesocket connector 100 with a card edgeelectronic module 200 loaded therein. Theconnector 100 is mounted on acircuit board 202. Themodule 200 is connected to thecircuit board 202 through theconnector 100. Theelectronic module 200, in one embodiment, may be a Dual In-Line Memory Module (DIMM) or a Small Outline (SODIMM); however, no limitation is intended thereby. Alternatively, it is contemplated that theelectronic module 200 may take other forms such as Single In-Line Memory Modules (SIMM) and other edge mounted modules. Theelectronic module 200 is loaded into theslot 114 of thesocket connector 100 at an angle as shown in phantom outline and is rotated as indicated by the arrow D to its final loaded position. The ends 180 of the clampingarms 118 are deflected slightly in the direction of the arrow C as theelectronic module 200 moves to its final loaded position. Lockingelements 204 formed on the clampingarms 118 are received innotches 206 in theelectronic module 200 when theelectronic module 200 is finally loaded. Themodule 200 includes a substantiallyplanar substrate 210 that has amating edge 212 and a plurality of electrical traces, each of which terminates at arespective contact pad 214 on themating edge 212. Thesubstrate 210 may also include surface mounted components (not shown). - In the illustrated embodiment, the
connector 100 is suitable for use with electronic modules meeting standards for an Advanced Telecom Computing Architecture (ATCA) mezzanine card (AMC). It is to be understood however, that in other embodiments, theconnector 100 may be sized for other applications. With the latch member mounting design as described, theconnector 100 is sufficiently narrow such that theconnector 100 may be used in rack mounted AMC systems. In such applications, the length L (FIG. 2 ) of thehousing 102 is about 67.98 millimeters, while the length LO (FIG. 3 ) between outer surfaces of the clampingarms 118 at thehousing 102 is about 68.1 millimeters. The length LMAX (FIG. 3 ) between the clamping arm ends 180 is about 68.8 millimeters. - The embodiments thus described provide a DIMM socket suitable for use with rack mounted AMC modules. Receptacles for attachment of the latch members are located at an upper portion of the socket housing which allows the overall length of the socket to be reduced. In the exemplary embodiment, the receptacles are cavities located on the top surface of the socket housing. Optionally, the socket may be used with in-line card type modules other than memory modules. For example, the socket may be sized to receive a daughter card or mother board containing a variety of circuit components, each of which is encompassed within the term module as used herein.
- While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.
Claims (19)
1. A socket connector for connecting a card edge module to a circuit board, said socket connector comprising:
a housing extending along a longitudinal axis between opposed ends, the housing including a mounting face configured to be received on the circuit board and a mating face configured to receive the card edge module, each of said opposed ends including an end surface having a mounting feature that is directed transverse to said mating face and said mounting face; and
latch members located at said opposed ends, said latch members engaging corresponding said mounting features on said end surfaces to mount said latch members to said housing.
2. The socket connector of claim 1 further comprising electrical contacts held in said housing, said contacts having mating ends proximate said mating face of said housing and mounting ends extending from said mounting face of said housing.
3. The socket connector of claim 1 , wherein said mounting face of said housing is oriented substantially perpendicular to said mating face of said housing.
4. The socket connector of claim 1 , wherein each said latch member includes a mounting end and said housing includes mounting receptacles configured to receive said mounting ends of said latch members.
5. The socket connector of claim 1 , wherein each said latch member includes a mounting end and a clamping arm formed substantially perpendicularly to said mounting end.
6. The socket connector of claim 1 , wherein each said latch member includes a clamping arm and said housing is disposed between said clamping arms.
7. The socket connector of claim 1 , wherein each said latch member includes a mounting end and said housing includes mounting cavities configured to receive said mounting ends of said latch members with a friction fit.
8. A socket connector for connecting a card edge module to a circuit board, said socket connector comprising:
a housing extending along a longitudinal axis between opposed ends, the housing including a mounting face configured for mounting on the circuit board and a slot configured to receive the card edge module; and
a latch member connected to the housing for retaining the card edge module in the slot, the latch member having a mounting end secured to the housing and extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.
9. The socket connector of claim 8 , wherein the mounting end is received in a mounting receptacle in the housing.
10. The socket connector of claim 9 , wherein the mounting end is moved substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis during installation of the mounting end into the mounting receptacle.
11. The socket connector of claim 8 further comprising a second latch member connected to said housing, said latch members being connected at respective ones of said opposed ends of said housing.
12. The socket connector of claim 8 , wherein said latch member includes a clamping arm formed substantially perpendicularly to said mounting end.
13. The socket connector of claim 8 further comprising a second latch member connected to said housing, said latch members being connected at respective ones of said opposed ends of said housing, and wherein each said latch member includes a clamping arm and said housing is disposed between said clamping arms.
14. A socket connector for connecting a card edge module to a circuit board, said socket connector comprising:
a housing extending along a longitudinal axis between opposed ends, the housing including a mounting face configured to be received on the circuit board and a slot configured to receive the card edge module;
a latch member connected to the housing for retaining the card edge module in the slot, said latch member including a mounting end; and
the housing having a mounting receptacle that is configured to receive said mounting end of said latch member in an installation direction that is substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis of said housing.
15. The socket connector of claim 14 further comprising a second latch member at the other of said opposed ends of said housing.
16. The socket connector of claim 14 further comprising electrical contacts held in said housing, said contacts having mating ends proximate said mating face of said housing and mounting ends extending from said mounting face of said housing.
17. The socket connector of claim 14 , wherein said mounting face of said housing is substantially perpendicular to said mating face of said housing.
18. The socket connector of claim 14 , wherein said latch member includes a clamping arm formed substantially perpendicularly to said mounting end.
19. The socket connector of claim 14 further comprising a second latch member at the other of said opposed ends of said housing and wherein each said latch member includes a clamping arm and said housing is disposed between said clamping arms.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/498,111 US20080032537A1 (en) | 2006-08-02 | 2006-08-02 | Socket connector for in-line modules |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/498,111 US20080032537A1 (en) | 2006-08-02 | 2006-08-02 | Socket connector for in-line modules |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080032537A1 true US20080032537A1 (en) | 2008-02-07 |
Family
ID=39029752
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/498,111 Abandoned US20080032537A1 (en) | 2006-08-02 | 2006-08-02 | Socket connector for in-line modules |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20080032537A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080261454A1 (en) * | 2007-04-19 | 2008-10-23 | Ted Ju | Card edge connector |
US20140080343A1 (en) * | 2012-09-14 | 2014-03-20 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Lower profile card edge connector for single sided so-dimm module and assembly of the same |
USD733145S1 (en) * | 2014-03-14 | 2015-06-30 | Kingston Digital, Inc. | Memory module |
USD735201S1 (en) * | 2014-07-30 | 2015-07-28 | Kingston Digital, Inc. | Memory module |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3803533A (en) * | 1971-07-23 | 1974-04-09 | Int Computers Ltd | Edge connector |
US5516304A (en) * | 1993-09-14 | 1996-05-14 | Berg Technology, Inc. | Enhanced electrical connector |
US6027357A (en) * | 1996-12-13 | 2000-02-22 | The Whitaker Corporation | Electrical connector having metal latch |
US6276951B1 (en) * | 1999-04-23 | 2001-08-21 | Industrial Technology Research Institute | Latching device for a card edge connector (2) |
US6390842B1 (en) * | 1998-01-29 | 2002-05-21 | The Whitaker Corporation | Card edge connector with deflective latch members |
US6527576B1 (en) * | 1999-07-26 | 2003-03-04 | Berg Technology, Inc. | Socket for a printed board |
US6796825B2 (en) * | 2002-10-17 | 2004-09-28 | Speed Tech Corp. | Electrical connector for attaching a circuit board |
US6923668B2 (en) * | 2003-07-04 | 2005-08-02 | Chou Hsuan Tsai | Lateral engagement structure for an electrical connector |
-
2006
- 2006-08-02 US US11/498,111 patent/US20080032537A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3803533A (en) * | 1971-07-23 | 1974-04-09 | Int Computers Ltd | Edge connector |
US5516304A (en) * | 1993-09-14 | 1996-05-14 | Berg Technology, Inc. | Enhanced electrical connector |
US6027357A (en) * | 1996-12-13 | 2000-02-22 | The Whitaker Corporation | Electrical connector having metal latch |
US6390842B1 (en) * | 1998-01-29 | 2002-05-21 | The Whitaker Corporation | Card edge connector with deflective latch members |
US6276951B1 (en) * | 1999-04-23 | 2001-08-21 | Industrial Technology Research Institute | Latching device for a card edge connector (2) |
US6527576B1 (en) * | 1999-07-26 | 2003-03-04 | Berg Technology, Inc. | Socket for a printed board |
US6796825B2 (en) * | 2002-10-17 | 2004-09-28 | Speed Tech Corp. | Electrical connector for attaching a circuit board |
US6923668B2 (en) * | 2003-07-04 | 2005-08-02 | Chou Hsuan Tsai | Lateral engagement structure for an electrical connector |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080261454A1 (en) * | 2007-04-19 | 2008-10-23 | Ted Ju | Card edge connector |
US7484983B2 (en) * | 2007-04-19 | 2009-02-03 | Lotes Co., Ltd. | Card edge connector |
US20140080343A1 (en) * | 2012-09-14 | 2014-03-20 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Lower profile card edge connector for single sided so-dimm module and assembly of the same |
US9190754B2 (en) * | 2012-09-14 | 2015-11-17 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Lower profile card edge connector for single sided SO-DIMM module and assembly of the same |
USD733145S1 (en) * | 2014-03-14 | 2015-06-30 | Kingston Digital, Inc. | Memory module |
USD735201S1 (en) * | 2014-07-30 | 2015-07-28 | Kingston Digital, Inc. | Memory module |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: TYCO ELECTRONICS CORPORATION, PENNSYLVANIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LEIDY, JAMES ALBERT;REEL/FRAME:018155/0390 Effective date: 20060726 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |